The Stamps and Postal History of Long Island

A small island, in the Gulf of Smyrna. Normally under Turkish rule, it was occupied by the British Navy in May 1916. Local stamps were issued between 7 and 26 May 1916. They were typewritten and inscribed GRI LONG ISLAND. Turkish fiscal stamps were also overprinted GRI POSTAGE plus a new value in sterling. Provided by the Civil Administrator Lieut- Cmndr Pirie – Gordon examples were sent directly to the well- known philatelist King George V and are very unusual amongst British Empire issues for their clearly provisional nature. Essays exist bearing the Royal Crest and genuine covers with overprinted Turkish and plain paper frankings usually addressed to Great Britain are known, many with hand-drawn censor marks. We recommend the excellent listings in the Stanley Gibbons Part 1 Commonwealth catalogue.

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